Eden becomes eighth Robins’ signing

The Robins are delighted to announce the signing of one of Super League’s hottest young prospects, Greg Eden.

The fullback, who celebrates his 22nd birthday today, has penned a three-year deal with the red and whites after they agreed an undisclosed fee for his services with the Huddersfield Giants.

Eden is Rovers’ eighth new recruit and is looking forward to linking up with his new team-mates.

“It was a pretty big decision for me to leave Huddersfield as I thought I was settled there for the next couple of years,” he said.

“Everything happened quickly though and now that it’s all been done I’m delighted to be a Hull KR player. To know that the club came along and really wanted me on board is a great feeling and I’m looking forward to repaying the faith that Craig (Sandercock) has shown in me.

“I learnt a lot at Huddersfield and hopefully I can carry that on and keep learning and progressing as a player under Craig. Obviously the aim is to cement a place in the side each week but I know there are a lot of good players at the club and that there’s plenty of competition for places within the squad.”

Eden is a product of the Castleford Tigers scholarship programme and made three first team appearances for the club before joining the Huddersfield Giants at the start of the 2012 campaign. He played 27 games for the Giants last season, scoring 12 tries in the process.

His impressive performances saw him rewarded with a call up to the England Knights squad and he made his international debut in a big win over Scotland in the recent Alitalia Cup series.

Eden also has experience of playing down under having had a brief spell with New South Wales Group Nine Country rugby league side, Temora Dragons.

Rovers’ CEO, Mike Smith, sees the capture of the 22-year-old as a real coup and commented:

“We see the acquisition of Greg as a major positive for the club and further proof that we’re looking to recruit young, talented, English players. Greg has already been involved with the England Knights and to attract a player of his calibre to Craven Park is something we’re delighted about.

“He’ll join the likes of Omari Caro, Alex Brown, Sean Gleeson and Adam Walker in our squad as a young, English talent with his best years in front of him. When you add in existing players such as Kris Welham, Craig Hall, Liam Salter, Jordan Cox, Rich Beaumont and James Green then you can see that the club are building for the long-term future.

“I’d like to place on record my thanks to Richard Thewlis at Huddersfield Giants for the professional way in which he handled the deal for Greg. Whenever you’re looking to sign a player who is contracted to another club you’re reliant on that club being co-operative and Richard ensured that everything ran smoothly from the Huddersfield point of view.”

Head coach Chris Chester said his team’s opening win of Super League XX was a victory for team spirit after Hull Kingston Rovers came from behind to beat Wigan Warriors 22-20 at the KC Lightstream Stadium.